Be aware of external forces trying to mislead you through social media: Odisha CM to Gen Z

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday cautioned the Gen Z against falling prey to “external forces” that attempt to “mislead them and weaken India” on the global stage.

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Launching the state-level ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to empower the youth of the country, but they were being “misled by external forces” through social media abuse, intoxication and negative campaigns.

He, however, asserted that the youths of India were patriots and strived to take the country forward, the Chief Minister said.

“I call upon the Gen Z to be aware of the external forces and invisible enemies that operate from foreign soil and attempt to mislead our youths through social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to empower the youth of the country. But in the digital age, the youth are being misled by external forces,” Mr. Majhi said.

“But these invisible forces will never succeed in their goals. I suggest the youth prioritise patriotism. The only voice of the youth is — our country will be safe!”

He went on to claim that “certain external forces were attempting to mislead” Gen Z through digital media campaigns and cause harm to India. “Today’s youths should keep away from such forces and work for the unity of the nation.”

Mr. Majhi said the youths would not succumb to the designs of the external forces.

“No external force can weaken India’s youth. The purpose of today’s Triranga Yatra is to remain united and give a befitting reply to external forces,” the Chief Minister said.

He described youths as the future of India who will develop the country into a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (world leader). “Keeping this in mind, I call upon all youths of Odisha to move forward and build a Viksit Bharat [developed India],” he said.

Mr. Majhi’s remarks came a day after the BJP’s Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan claimed that attempts were made to “mislead” Gen Z during the protests over the NEET paper leak issue, prompting him to quit as Union Education Minister.

“Gen Z is our children. Some people attempted to mislead them. I had no personal issues then. At least two crore children are born in India every year. During the last 10 years, 20 crore children were born. They have aspirations, and they will make India the ‘Vishwa Guru’. The post was not important to me,” Mr. Pradhan had said.

The state-level Triranga Yatra was also attended by Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and other Ministers, officers and eminent personalities.

Mr. Majhi also called upon people to make this national festival environment-friendly. “I urge all of you to use only cloth flags instead of plastic flags,” the Chief Minister said.

A colourful procession was taken out with students, Scouts and Guides, NCC and NSS volunteers marching with tricolours in their hands..

Cultural troupes from different parts of Odisha performed traditional folk dances.

Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign will continue till August 17.

He said that 60 lakh flags have been distributed to all districts along with financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to organise the events.